Access control barrier

Abstract

The invention provides an access control barrier. A sensor of the barrier detects at least one of receiving a movable barrier element of the barrier at a receiving portion of the barrier and removing the movable barrier element from the receiving portion. A transmitter of the barrier transmits an indication of a change in state of the barrier to the server in response to the sensor detecting at least one of receiving the movable barrier element at the receiving portion and removing the movable barrier element from the receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for access control barriers. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an access control barrier for pedestrians. Background Art

[0002] Places such as train stations, office buildings, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, etc. usually include convenience facilities such as elevators, escalators, toilet facilities, etc., and some users particularly need to use those convenience facilities. For example, some users will need to use the elevators provided in the place to enter the place because they cannot use stairs, etc. to enter the system. It may be inconvenient for users to go to the place to learn that the convenience facilities they need in the place are currently unavailable. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method to remind users of the closed status of convenience facilities. Summary of the invention

[0003] Systems and methods for providing dynamic information about the status of amenities at a place are provided herein. Amenities such as elevators, escalators, and restroom facilities are often equipped with barriers (e.g., belt barriers) that can be used to prevent users from using these amenities when necessary. By detecting the opening or closing of a barrier associated with an amenities at a place, and transmitting an indication of the status of the barrier to a server, the information accessible to users of the place can accurately reflect the status of the amenities. Therefore, users can plan their routes based on the status of the amenities at the place. In one example, when a user needs to use an amenities such as an elevator (e.g., to enter a place) due to a disability, the barriers described herein can enable the user to be highly certain whether they can use the amenities in their route.

[0004] According to the system and method described herein, an access control barrier is provided. For example, a barrier is provided that creates a boundary, restricts access, or guides the flow of pedestrians in a designated area (e.g., a place). The access control barrier (e.g., a barrier) can be, for example, a pedestrian access control barrier and / or a crowd control barrier and / or a vehicle access control barrier and / or a traffic access control barrier. The barrier includes a movable barrier element and a receiving portion configured to receive the movable barrier element. For example, the movable barrier element can be a flexible element (e.g., a belt, a thin belt, or a rope) including an end configured to be attached to the receiving portion. The barrier also includes a sensor that detects at least one of the movable barrier element being received in the receiving portion and the movable barrier element being removed from the receiving portion. For example, the sensor can be a passive element that is activated when the movable barrier element is received at the receiving portion. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor can be a sensor configured to detect tension and / or payout of the movable barrier element. For example, the sensor can be configured to detect a change or specific value of tension and / or extension when the movable barrier element is extended to and / or received by the receiving portion. The sensor can be configured to detect a change or specific value of tension and / or extension when the movable barrier element is removed from the receiving portion. The barrier also includes a transmitter configured to transmit an indication of a change in the barrier state to a server in response to the sensor detecting at least one of the movable barrier element being received at the receiving portion and the movable barrier element being removed from the receiving portion.

[0005] In some examples, when the movable barrier element is received in the receiving portion, the indication of the change in barrier state is an indication of a closed state. In some examples, when the movable barrier element is removed from the receiving portion, the indication of the change in barrier state is an indication of an open state. For example, the barrier state may indicate whether the barrier or an amenity associated with the barrier is open or closed.

[0006] In some examples, the movable barrier element can include a movable object (e.g., a cone or a column) configured to cooperate with the receiving portion. For example, the receiving portion can be configured to be positioned or located on a surface (e.g., a wall or floor) or at least partially positioned or located within the surface and configured to support and / or position the barrier element when attached.

[0007] In some examples, the barrier is a belt barrier, and the movable barrier element includes a belt and a connecting portion configured to connect the belt to the receiving portion. In some examples, the barrier is a manual barrier, whereby the movable barrier element is manually moved to the receiving portion. In some examples, the movable barrier element is a flexible barrier element.

[0008] In some examples, a barrier is associated with a location. For example, a barrier can be associated with a specific location within a venue. In some examples, a barrier is associated with an amenity. For example, a barrier can be used to prevent access to a specific amenity at a venue.

[0009] In some examples, the transmitter is powered by a battery. For example, the transmitter may not require an additional power source. The transmitter may be activated (eg, may receive power) in response to the sensor detecting a change in state.

[0010] In some examples, the barrier communicates with the server via an IoT connection. For example, the barrier can communicate with a system of interconnected devices (e.g., a device can be multiple barriers).

[0011] According to the systems and methods described herein, a system including a barrier and a server is provided. In some examples, the server receives an indication of a change in state of the barrier. In some examples, the server signals a change in state of the barrier or a change in state of an amenity associated with the barrier to a device in response to receiving the indication. In some examples, the system may include multiple barriers in communication with the server.

[0012] In some examples, the system also includes a device. In some examples, the device outputs a notification indicating a change in state of the barrier or a change in state of an amenity associated with the barrier in response to receiving a signal indicating a state of the barrier or a state of an amenity associated with the barrier.

[0013] In some examples, the device includes at least one of a digital sign (e.g., a sign within or associated with a venue), a user device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, etc.), an audio output device (e.g., a smart speaker, a Tannoy PA system, etc.), and other servers (e.g., a server configured to control a website associated with the venue).

[0014] In some examples, the barrier is located within the venue and the device is a user device associated with at least one of an authorized person of the venue, a user subscribed to receive updates related to the venue, and a user located near the venue.

[0015] In some examples, the barrier is located within the venue, and the server includes or communicates with a venue management system. For example, the venue management system may include or control information about the venue and may be configured to provide information about the venue to a user (eg, an authorized user).

[0016] In some examples, the barrier is located within the venue and the device is included in or communicates with the venue management system. For example, the device can be a user device connected to a Wi-Fi network associated with the venue management system, or can also be a device connected to the venue management system (e.g., a user device of a staff member assigned to the venue).

[0017] In some examples, the virtual mapping application of the device is configured to indicate the state of the barrier and / or the state of the amenities associated with the barrier when the state is the closed state. For example, an image or text may be incorporated into the virtual map to indicate the state of the barrier.

[0018] In some examples, the route mapping application of the device is configured to utilize the status of the barrier and / or the status of the amenity associated with the barrier when outputting a route. For example, the route mapping application can be configured to avoid the barrier or the amenity associated with the barrier by providing an alternative route or a route to an alternative amenity when a route is requested, such as when the status of the barrier is a closed state.

[0019] According to the systems and methods described herein, the barrier is configured to output an indication of a change in the open and / or closed state of the barrier.

[0020] According to the systems and methods described herein, a system includes a plurality of barriers, wherein each barrier is configured to output an indication of a change in an open and / or closed state of the barrier.

[0021] According to the systems and methods described herein, an access control barrier is provided. The access control barrier includes a movable barrier element and a receiving portion configured to receive the movable barrier element. The access control barrier also includes a sensor configured to detect that the movable barrier element is received at the receiving portion. The access control barrier also includes a transmitter configured to transmit an indication of a change in a barrier state to a server in response to the sensor detecting that the movable barrier element is received at the receiving portion.

[0022] According to the systems and methods described herein, an access control barrier is provided. The access control barrier includes a movable barrier element and a receiving portion configured to receive the movable barrier element. The access control barrier also includes a sensor configured to detect removal of the movable barrier element from the receiving portion. The access control barrier also includes a transmitter configured to transmit an indication of a change in barrier state to a server in response to the sensor detecting removal of the movable barrier element from the receiving portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which: Figure 1 shows an overview of a system for indicating a change of state of a barrier according to some examples of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of an example system for indicating a change of state of a barrier according to some examples of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a flow chart representing a process for indicating a change of state of a barrier according to some examples of the present disclosure; Figure 4 showing a virtual map configured to indicate a status of a barrier according to some examples of the present disclosure; Figure 5 showing a route of an indication map based on the status of a barrier according to some examples of the present disclosure; and Figure 6 A flow chart representing a process for indicating the status of a barrier is shown according to some examples of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1 An overview of a system 100 for indicating a change in state of a barrier 101 is shown. Specifically, Figure 1 The illustrated example shows a barrier 101 (e.g., an access control barrier) having a movable barrier element 102 and a receiving portion 103 configured to receive the movable barrier element 102. In this example, the barrier 101 is a belt-type barrier, and the movable barrier element 102 includes a belt 105 and a connecting portion 107 configured to connect the belt 105 to the receiving portion 103. The barrier 101 also includes a reel 109 configured to tension the belt 105 and allow the belt 105 to extend and retract. One end of the belt 105 is fixedly attached to the reel 109. Relative to the end of the belt fixedly attached to the reel 109, the distal end of the belt 105 includes a connecting portion 107 fixedly attached to the belt 105. In an open barrier state, the belt 105 is retracted into the reel portion 109. In a closed barrier state, the belt 105 is extended from the reel 109, and the connecting portion 107 is connected to the receiving portion 103. When the barrier 101 is in use and, for example, is located at a particular location, the barrier can be operated to prevent access to a particular location or a particular convenience, and the reel 109 and the receiving portion 103 can be substantially fixed relative to each other. For example, each of the reel 109 and the receiving portion 103 can be fixed to a wall, or can be fixed to a corresponding support or column, respectively.

[0025] The barrier 101 of this example also includes a sensor 110, which is configured to detect at least one of the movable barrier element 102 being received in the receiving portion 103 and the movable barrier element 102 being removed from the receiving portion 103. In some examples, the movable barrier element 102 and the receiving portion 103 are detachably attached to each other by a mating structure, and the mating structure can be any suitable mating structure, such as a connector, a hook and loop, a buckle, and a receiving piece. The connection or disconnection of the mating structure can activate a passive element included in the sensor 110. For example, the sensor 110 can include a passive element (such as a switch) disposed at the receiving portion 103 of the barrier, the passive element being activated when the movable barrier element 102 is received in the receiving portion 103, and the passive element being activated when the movable barrier element 102 is removed from the receiving portion 103. When the passive element is actuated, a signal can be generated to indicate that the movable barrier element 102 has been received at the receiving portion 103 or has been removed from the receiving portion 103.

[0026] In another example, the sensor 110 is included in the reel 109 and is configured to detect the payout or tension of the tape. For example, the sensor 110 can be configured to detect an increase in tension when the tape is extended, such as due to a spring mechanism disposed in the reel 109, and is configured to tighten the tape, which can be used as an indication that the movable barrier element 102 is received at the receiving portion 103. The sensor 110 can be configured to detect a decrease in tension when the tape is retracted, which can be used as an indication that the movable barrier element 102 has been removed from the receiving portion 103. In some examples, the sensor 110 can include a first sensor disposed in the receiving portion 103 and a second sensor disposed in the reel 109. The sensor 110 can be used in conjunction with or include a control circuit configured to determine whether the change in state is a change from an open state to a closed state, or a change from a closed state to an open state.

[0027] The barrier 101 of this example also includes a transmitter 112 configured to transmit an indication of a change in state of the barrier to a server in response to the sensor 110 detecting at least one of the movable barrier element 102 being received at the receiving portion 103 and the movable barrier element 102 being removed from the receiving portion 103. For example, activating a passive element, such as by engaging or disengaging a mating structure, may further activate the transmitter 112 (e.g., the transmitter 112 may be powered, wherein the transmitter 112 may be powered by a battery), wherein the transmitter 112 may then transmit an indication of the change in state of the barrier to the server 104, such as via the network 108. In some examples, the barrier 101 is communicatively coupled to the server 104 and the content database 106 via the network 108. In some examples, the network 108 is the Internet accessed via a router or gateway, wherein the system 100 may be a system of interconnected devices (e.g., the Internet of Things, IoT). The barrier 101 may be arranged at a particular location or associated with a particular convenience. Transmitter 112 may additionally transmit metadata indicating the location of barrier 101 and / or amenities associated with the barrier, which metadata may be stored, for example, in a memory associated with barrier 101. Additionally or alternatively, transmitter 112 may transmit an identifier that a server uses to identify barrier 101 and / or the location of the barrier, and / or amenities associated with barrier 101, for example by accessing content database 106, which may store such information.

[0028] In some examples, server 104 may utilize the received indication, for example, by signaling to device 114 a change in state of the barrier or a change in state of an amenity associated with barrier 101 in response to receiving the indication. Server 104 may additionally receive an identifier (e.g., a number) identifying barrier 101. Server 104 may access content database 106, which may include information about the number identifying barrier 101 and the location of the barrier or the amenity associated with the barrier. In other examples, server 104 may receive metadata associated with barrier 101, such as the location of barrier 101 or the amenity associated with the barrier, which metadata may be stored at barrier 101. In response to receiving the indication of the change in state of barrier 101 at server 104, server 104 may signal to the device a change in state of the barrier or the amenity associated with the barrier.

[0029] In this example, the barrier 101 is arranged to prevent access to an elevator. When the barrier 101 is in the closed position, the server may signal to a device 114, such as a smartphone, that the state of the amenity has changed (e.g., closed), and the device 114 may then be configured to output a notification 116 that the amenity associated with the barrier is inaccessible. For example, a user associated with a particular venue where an amenity is provided (e.g., a building manager, a user near the venue (e.g., a user determined to be located within the venue), a user who has subscribed to venue updates (e.g., updates related to amenities at a train station, etc.) may receive a notification 116 on the user device 114 when the state of an amenity in such a venue changes. This is particularly advantageous when a user requires an amenity (e.g., an elevator at a train station) to enter the venue, and users who are particularly unable to use other means of entry (e.g., stairs) may be alerted in advance so that they can choose another route.

[0030] In this example, notification 116 is output at user device 114. However, it should be understood that in some examples, an application (e.g., a route mapping application) on device 114 (e.g., a user device) can use the indication of the change in status of the barrier, for example, to take into account the closure of an amenity or the obstruction of a particular route by barrier 101 and output a route that avoids the amenity or location blocked by barrier 101. In some examples, the status of barrier 101 or an amenity associated with barrier 101 can be output to a mapping application to display the status of the barrier or amenity, for example, on a map output by the mapping application. In another example, server 104 can (either by itself or by communicating with another server) output an indication of the status of barrier 101 or amenity by configuring a website to display the status.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, device 114 is depicted as a smartphone. However, device 114 may be any suitable type of device capable of presenting information to a user, such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, laptop, smart watch, smart speaker, smart contact lens, extended reality device, extended reality (XR), etc. The devices may be used alone or in combination and configured to display or otherwise output information. Figure 1 In the example shown, only one barrier is shown, however, it should be understood that any number of barriers may be provided, each barrier being configured to be Figure 1 The description associated with barrier 101 indicates its status.

[0032] Figure 2 is an illustrative block diagram showing an example system 200 (eg, a non-transitory computer-readable medium) configured to indicate a state of a barrier 101. Figure 2System 200 is shown to include a number and configuration of separate components, but in some examples, any number of components of system 200 may be combined and / or integrated into one device, such as barrier 101. System 200 includes computing device n-202 (representing any suitable number of computing devices, such as user devices 114), computing device n-203 (representing any suitable number of computing devices, such as any number of barriers 101), server n-204 (representing any suitable number of servers, such as server 104), and one or more content databases n-206 (representing any suitable number of content databases, such as content database 106), each of which is communicatively coupled to communication network 208, which may be the Internet or any other suitable network or set of networks, such as network 108. In some examples, system 200 does not include server n-204, and the functionality implemented by server n-204 is instead implemented by other components of system 200 (such as computing device n-202). For example, computing device n-202 can implement some or all of the functionality of server n-204, allowing computing device n-202 to communicate directly with content database n-206 (in some examples, computing device n-203). In other examples, server n-204 works in conjunction with computing device n-202 and / or computing device n-203 to implement certain functionality described herein in a distributed or collaborative manner.

[0033] The server n-204 includes a control circuit 210 and an input / output (hereinafter referred to as "I / O") path 212, and the control circuit 210 includes a memory 214 and a processing circuit 216. The computing device n-202 can be an HMD, a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smart phone, a smart TV, or any other type of computing device, and the computing device n-202 includes a control circuit 218, an I / O path 220, a speaker 222, a display 224, and a user input interface 226. The control circuit 218 includes a memory 228 and a processing circuit 220. The computing device n-203 can be a computing device included in or connected to the barrier 101, and the computing device n-203 includes a control circuit 219 and an I / O path 221. The control circuit 219 includes a memory 229 and a processing circuit 231. The control circuit 210 and / or 218 and / or 219 can be based on any suitable processing circuit, such as the processing circuit 216 and / or 230 and / or 231. As used herein, processing circuitry is understood to refer to circuitry based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., and may include multi-core processors (e.g., dual-core, quad-core, hexa-core, or any suitable number of cores). In some examples, the processing circuitry may be distributed across multiple separate processors (e.g., multiple processors of the same type (e.g., two Intel Core i9 processors) or multiple different processors (e.g., an Intel Core i7 processor and an Intel Core i9 processor)).

[0034] Each of the memories 214, 228, 229 and / or the memories of other components of the system 200 (e.g., the memories of the content databases 106, 206, etc.) can be an electronic storage device. As described herein, the phrase "electronic storage device" or "storage device" should be understood to refer to any device for storing electronic data, computer software or firmware, such as random access memory, read-only memory, hard drive, optical drive, digital video disc (DVD) recorder, compact disc (CD) recorder, BLU-RAY optical disc (BD) recorder, BLU-RAY 2D optical disc recorder, digital video recorder (DVR, sometimes referred to as a personal video recorder or PVR), solid-state device, quantum storage device or any other suitable fixed or removable storage device, and / or any combination thereof. Each of the memories 214, 228, 229 and / or the memories of other components of the system 200 can be used to store various types of content, metadata and / or other types of data. Non-volatile memory (e.g., to initiate startup routines and other instructions) can also be used. Cloud-based storage can be used to supplement memory 214, 228, 229, or replace memory 214, 228, 229. In some examples, control circuit 210 and / or 218 and / or 219 executes instructions of an application stored in memory (e.g., memory 214 and / or 228 and / or 229). Specifically, control circuit 210 and / or 218 and / or 219 can be instructed by the application to perform the functions discussed herein. In some implementations, any action performed by control circuit 210 and / or 218 and / or 219 can be based on instructions received from the application. For example, the application can be implemented as software or a set of executable instructions that can be stored in memory 214 and / or 228 and / or 229 and executed by control circuit 210 and / or 218 and / or 219. In some examples, the application may be a client / server 104 application, where only the client application resides on computing device n-202 or n-203, while the server 104 application resides on server n-204.

[0035] The application can be implemented using any suitable architecture. For example, it can be a stand-alone application that is implemented entirely on computing devices n-202, n-203. In this approach, the instructions of the application are stored locally (e.g., in memory 228, 229), and the data used by the application is downloaded periodically (e.g., from an out-of-band feed, from an Internet resource, or using another suitable method). The control circuit 218, 219 can retrieve the instructions of the application from the memory 228, 229 and process these instructions to perform the functions described herein. Based on the processed instructions, the control circuit 218 can determine what action to perform when receiving input from the user input interface 226.

[0036] In an example based on client / server 104, control circuits 218, 219 may include communication circuits suitable for communicating with application server 104 (e.g., server n-204) or other networks or servers. Instructions for performing the functions described herein may be stored on application server 104. The communication circuit may include a cable modem, an Ethernet card, or a wireless modem for communicating with other devices, or any other suitable communication circuit. Such communication may involve the Internet or any other suitable communication network or path (e.g., communication network 208). In another example of an application based on client / server 104, control circuit 218 runs a web browser that interprets a web page provided by a remote server 104 (e.g., server n-204). For example, remote server 104 may store instructions for an application in a storage device. Remote server 104 may use circuits (e.g., control circuit 210) to process the stored instructions and / or generate a display. Computing device n-202 may receive a display generated by remote server 104 and may display the content of the display locally via display 224. In this way, the instructions are processed remotely (e.g., by the server n-204), while the resulting display (e.g., the display window described elsewhere herein) is provided locally on the computing device n-202. The computing device n-202 can receive inputs from the user via the input interface 226 and transmit those inputs to the remote server 104 for processing and generating a corresponding display.

[0037] Computing devices n-202, n-203 may use user input interface 226 to send instructions (eg, indications of changes in status of output barriers) to control circuits 210, 219, and / or 218.

[0038] The user input interface 226 may be any suitable user interface, such as a remote control, trackball, keypad, keyboard, touch screen, touchpad, stylus input, joystick, voice recognition interface, controller, or other user input interface. The user input interface 226 may be integrated or combined with the display 224, which may be a monitor, television, liquid crystal display (LCD), electronic ink display, or any other device suitable for displaying visual images.

[0039] The server n-204 and the computing devices n-202, n-203 may transmit and receive content and data via I / O paths 212, 220, and 221, respectively. For example, the I / O path 212, and / or the I / O path 220, and / or the I / O path 221 may include a communication port configured to transmit (e.g., to the content database 106n-206) and / or receive (e.g., from the content database 106n-206) content item identifiers, content metadata, natural language queries, and / or other data via the communication network 208. The control circuitry 210 and / or 218 and / or 219 may be used to send and receive commands, requests, and other suitable data using the I / O paths 212 and / or 220 and / or 221.

[0040] Figure 3 A representation is shown for indicating a barrier (e.g. Figure 1 1. A flow chart of an illustrative process 300 for changing the state of a barrier 101 is shown. Figure 4 An example of modifying a virtual map based on the status of a barrier is shown. Figure 5 An example of a route output by a route mapping application based on the status of a barrier is shown. Figures 3 to 5 The example shown in involves using Figure 1 The system 100 is shown, but it should be understood that reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 3 The illustrative process 300 shown in FIG. 3 may be implemented in whole or in part on the system 100, the system 200, and / or any other appropriately configured system architecture. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "control circuit" used in the following description is broadly applicable to the above referenced Figure 2 Overview of Control Circuitry For example, the control circuitry may include control circuitry of the barrier 101, control circuitry of the user device 114, and control circuitry of the server 104, which may work individually or in combination.

[0041] At 302, a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit of the barrier 101) detects at least one of a movable barrier element 102 of the barrier 101 being received at a receiving portion 103 of the barrier 101 and a barrier element of the barrier 101 being removed at the receiving portion 103 of the barrier 101. For example, the sensor 110 of the barrier 101 may be configured to detect at least one of a movable barrier element 102 of the barrier 101 being received at a receiving portion 103 of the barrier 101 and a barrier element of the barrier 101 being removed at the receiving portion 103 of the barrier 101. For example, the movable barrier element 102 and the receiving portion 103 may include mating structures, the mating structures being configured to engage and disengage, for example. In the examples described herein, the barrier 101 is a belt-type barrier, wherein the movable barrier element 102 includes a belt and a connecting portion 107, and wherein the belt is tensioned by a reel 109, and when the barrier 101 is in an open position, the reel 109 receives the belt, as described above in conjunction with Figure 1 As described. In general, the open position or state of the barrier is a position or state in which a user can pass through the barrier, while the closed position or state of the barrier is a position or state in which a user is prevented from passing through the barrier, for example, by connecting two parts of the barrier. It should be understood that the present invention can be applied to other barrier mechanisms. For example, any barrier that requires a first part to be connected to another part can be configured to detect the connection between one part of the barrier 101 and another part of the barrier. Examples of other barriers to which the present invention can be applied include barriers such as metal barriers, rope and pillar barriers, water-filled barriers, crowd control fences, accordion barriers, hinged barriers, etc. In some examples, the barrier 101 is a barrier that can be connected to a wall. For example, the receiving portion 103 of the barrier 101 and the housing of the movable barrier element 102, or the end of the movable barrier element 102 can be fixedly connected to the wall. In other examples, the barrier 101 can be freestanding, or can be connected to the floor. For example, each of the housing or end of the receiving portion 103 and the movable barrier element 102 can be connected to a pillar, wherein the pillar can be connected to the floor, or can be freestanding.

[0042] Detection of the receipt or removal of the movable barrier element 102 relative to the receiving portion 103 may be detected by using a passive element, such as a switch. For example, the passive element may be activated in response to a change in the proximity of the movable barrier element 102 and the receiving portion 103 (e.g., in the case where the movable barrier element 102 and the receiving portion 103 may be connected by a mating structure, including in this example a concave connection portion at the receiving portion 103 and a convex connection portion at the movable barrier element 102, wherein the engagement of the mating structure completes a circuit or causes current induction. The completion of the circuit may activate the transmitter 112. In some examples, a mechanical switch or lever may be provided as part of the mating structure, wherein these mechanical switches or levers therein may be triggered or actuated when the movable barrier element 102 is connected to the receiving portion 103, such as when the concave structure of the mating structure is fully engaged with the convex structure of the mating structure. The resulting physical movement or resistance may be sensed (e.g., by the sensor 110) to detect the connection. Any suitable means may be used to detect the receipt of the movable barrier element 102 at the receiving portion 103.

[0043] At 304, control circuitry (e.g., control circuitry of barrier 101) causes barrier 101 to transmit an indication of a change in state of the barrier to server 104 via transmitter 112 in response to detecting at least one of receiving movable barrier element 102 at receiving portion 103 and removing movable barrier element 102 from receiving portion 103. As described above, detecting a change in connection between movable barrier element 102 and receiving portion may trigger activation or power-on of transmitter 112. Transmitter 112 may be battery powered (e.g., electrical components of barrier 101 may be battery powered), which may facilitate easy installation of barrier 101 in various locations. In addition, battery life of elements of barrier 101 may be extended because transmitter 112 only needs to be powered when it is detected that movable barrier element 102 is received at receiving portion 103 and / or removed from receiving portion 103, and / or detection may be performed using passive elements that may reduce barrier energy consumption.

[0044] When the movable barrier element 102 is received at the receiving portion 103, the indication of the change in state of the barrier is an indication of the closed state, and when the movable barrier element 102 is removed from the receiving portion 103, the indication of the change in state of the barrier is an indication of the open state. The transmitter 112 may be configured to indicate whether the barrier 101 is closed or open. For example, when the rod is engaged by the movable barrier element 102 being received at the receiving portion (e.g., when the barrier 101 is in the closed state), the sensor 110 may detect the engagement of the rod to determine that the barrier 101 is closed, and the transmitter 112 may indicate that the barrier 101 is closed. Conversely, when the rod is disengaged by removing the movable barrier element 102 from the receiving portion (e.g., when the barrier 101 is in the open state), the sensor 110 may detect that the barrier 101 is open, and the transmitter 112 may indicate that the barrier 101 is open. Alternatively, where sensor 110 merely detects a change in state, such as where relative movement of movable barrier element 102 and the receiving portion induces an electric current, transmitter 112 may be configured to simply indicate that a change in state has occurred for barrier 101. For example, server 104 may be configured to determine a new current state of barrier 101 based on a stored (e.g., previous) state of barrier 101 and an indication that the state of barrier 101 has changed.

[0045] In some examples, transmitter 112 is also configured to transmit an indication of the identity of barrier 101 and an indication of the state of barrier 101. For example, barrier 101 may be associated with a particular location or a particular amenity. Thus, when transmitter 112 sends an indication of a change in the state of barrier 101, transmitter 112 may indicate the location of barrier 101 or the amenity associated with barrier 101. Alternatively, barrier 101 may include an identifier (e.g., a number) associated with a particular location or amenity, wherein server 104 may include information about the association of the identifier with the location or amenity, such that server 104 may determine the location or amenity based on the identifier, thereby determining the open or closed state of the particular location or amenity. Thus, transmitter 112 may also transmit metadata related to barrier 101, such as an identifier, location, or amenity associated with barrier 101.

[0046] When the barrier 101 is installed near a particular location or amenity, the location or amenity associated with the barrier 101 may be set. For example, the identity of the barrier 101 within a particular venue may be configured by a central venue management system (e.g., hosted on the server 104 or another server 104 in communication with the barrier 101) with which the barrier 101 communicates, where, for example, the name of the barrier 101 may be set to correspond to its location or corresponding amenity. As described above, the association may be stored in a content database 106 accessible to the server 104 and / or may be stored at the barrier 101.

[0047] In some examples, barrier 101 communicates with server 104 via an Internet of Things (IoT) connection. For example, barrier 101 can be connected to server 104 via a router or gateway, which can be connected to multiple devices (e.g., other barriers). Advantageously, IoT technology is low cost in hardware and data transmission, which can reduce the cost of providing and operating the barriers described herein.

[0048] At 306, control circuitry (e.g., control circuitry of server 104), in response to receiving the indication, signals to device 114 that the state of the barrier or the state of the convenience associated with barrier 101 has changed. Alternatively, in some examples, server 104 or another server in communication with server 104 may modify a website to indicate the state of barrier 101. For example, the website may indicate the conveniences available in the venue, where the state of the conveniences may be updated based on the received signal. Metadata about the barrier (e.g., an indication of the state of the barrier and the location and / or conveniences associated with the barrier) may further include information about the venue type, location, and contact information. Metadata may be used to provide information about alternative conveniences, knowledge of which may not require additional data from other sources. For example, this information may be stored on a server and transmitted to the device along with an indication of the state of the barrier or the state of the convenience associated with the barrier.

[0049] In some examples, such as Figure 1 or Figure 2The system of the system also includes a device 114. Device 114 can be configured to output a notification 116 in response to receiving a signal indicating a state of barrier 101 or a state of an amenity associated with barrier 101, the notification 116 indicating a change in the state of barrier 101 or a change in the state of an amenity associated with barrier 101. In some examples, device 114 includes any one or any combination of a digital sign (e.g., a sign indicating the availability or location of an amenity at a venue), a user device, an audio output device (e.g., a speaker system), and other servers. Notification 116 may include a modification of existing information about the amenity to indicate the new state or location of the amenity, or may include an instruction or graphic output that communicates the new state or location of the amenity, such as an instruction that interrupts a train sign indicating the state of a train to provide information (e.g., "The elevator at the next stop is out of order"). Device 114 may be a user device, such as a laptop, a smart phone, a smart watch, a tablet, a computer, a smart speaker, etc. In response to receiving a signal indicating a change in the state of barrier 101 (or a convenience facility), device 114 may output notification 116 to the user device, thereby notifying the user of the change in the state of barrier 101 or the convenience facility.

[0050] In some examples, the barrier 101 is located in a venue. For example, the venue can be a place, a building, or a series or combination of buildings, such as a related structure such as a train station. As described above, the barrier in the venue can be linked to a central venue management system, which is operated by a server 104 (e.g., the server 104 includes or is a venue management system) or communicates with the server 104 and receives information about changes in the status of the barrier in the venue. In the case where the barrier is associated with the venue, the device 114 can be associated with, for example, an authorized person at the venue (such as a building manager who is notified of changes in the barrier in the venue). The authorized user can be configured by the above-mentioned building management system, which can output notifications 116 to authorized devices located in the venue or associated with the venue management system (e.g., venue-owned devices distributed to employees) or linked to the same network as the venue management system (e.g., sharing the same Wi-Fi network). In some examples, users can subscribe to updates related to the venue, in which users receive notifications of changes to the barrier in the venue. For example, when a certain convenience is no longer available, the user will receive a notification. This is particularly beneficial for users who need certain conveniences (e.g., elevators, and users need the convenience of use provided by elevators). A user may be notified based on a user's subscription to a particular venue (e.g., a user subscribes to receive updates related to a particular venue, such as a train station), and / or a user may be notified based on a user's proximity to a venue (e.g., when a user is near or within a venue, such as by connecting to the venue's Wi-Fi, they may receive updates about the status of barriers or amenities in the venue). Figure 1 An example of such a notification 116 output at a user device 114 is shown.

[0051] The signal received at device 114 may be used by an application of device 114 to output an indication of the state of barrier 101 at device 114. For example, the virtual mapping application of device 114 may be configured to indicate the state of an amenity associated with barrier 101 when the state is a closed state. For example, when a viewer interacts with a virtual map through device 114 and views a location where barrier 101 is provided, the map may indicate the state of barrier 101 (e.g., when barrier 101 associated with the venue is closed, a word associated with the venue (“Closed”) is shown). The virtual mapping application may be a map associated with a venue management system, such as a map generated and controlled by the venue management system.

[0052] Figure 4 An example of a virtual map including multiple buildings and indicating the status of amenities associated with barriers such as those described above is shown. Figure 4The status of restroom amenities 404, 406 within a particular location 402 (e.g., a shopping mall) as determined by the above process is shown. As shown in this example, the first convenience 404 is displayed as "open" because the convenience does not display anything indicating that it is closed. In contrast, the second convenience 406 is displayed as "closed" because a prohibition sign 408 is set on the second convenience 406. It should be understood that any suitable means can be used to illustrate the status of the convenience, such as any wording or image that conveys the current status. In some examples, the open and closed configurations are conveyed, such as by using the words "open" and "closed" associated with the appropriate convenience (or location), or only the "open" configuration can be illustrated.

[0053] In another example, the route mapping application of device 114 is configured to utilize the state of barrier 101 or the amenity associated with barrier 101 when outputting a route. For example, in the event that system 100 indicates that a particular route or passage is unavailable, the route mapping application can determine and output to user device 114 an alternative route that does not require passing through the barrier. In some examples, when the route mapping application receives a request to search for and travel to a particular amenity, if an amenity matching the request (e.g., the nearest amenity) is indicated as closed, the route mapping application can select a different amenity matching the request as the target location for the route.

[0054] Figure 5 An example of a virtual map is shown that includes multiple buildings overlaid with suggested routes (e.g., routes generated by a route application). Specifically, in this example, the route application has received a user request to locate and travel to the nearest toilet convenience. The route application has located two toilet conveniences, a first convenience 504 and a second convenience 506. Through the process described above, the route application knows that the first convenience 504 of this example is open, and the route application knows that the second convenience of this example is closed. Although the user 510 of this example is closer to the second convenience 506, because the user 510 is currently unable to enter the convenience, the route application instead outputs a suggested route 512 to the first convenience. The route 512 shown here is shown in conjunction with a map, and the status of the convenience is further shown (e.g., the closed status of the second convenience 506 is shown by a prohibition sign 514). However, it should be understood that any suitable manner can be used to convey the suggested route, such as an instruction list or a user perspective, rather than a map view. In some cases, the status of an amenity is not explicitly indicated to the user, and instead, the routing application utilizes the status of the amenity to direct the user to currently accessible venues without the user being aware of the status of the amenity.

[0055] Figure 6 A flow chart is shown representing an illustrative process 600 for indicating a change in status of a barrier 101. The barrier may be a belt-type barrier as described above, and may be included in a facility.

[0056] At 602, the relative movement of the movable barrier element and the receiving part is detected. For example, the sensor may be configured to detect the relative movement of the movable barrier element and the receiving part (e.g., receiving the movable barrier element at the receiving part and removing the movable barrier element from the receiving part). At 604, it is determined, for example, by a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit of the barrier 101 and / or the sensor) whether the movable barrier element has been received by the receiving part (e.g., whether the barrier has been closed). In the case where it is determined that the movable barrier element has been received by the receiving part ("yes" at 604), at 606, the state of the barrier is changed or set to a closed state. In the case where it is determined that the movable barrier element has not been received by the receiving part ("no" at 604), it is determined at 608 whether the movable barrier element has been removed from the receiving part (e.g., whether the barrier has been opened). In the case where it is determined that the movable barrier element has been removed from the receiving part ("yes" at 608), at 610, the state of the barrier is changed or set to an open state. Once the state of the barrier is set, at 612, an indication of the state of the newly set barrier is transmitted (e.g., by a transmitter (the transmitter may be battery powered and may be powered on in response to detecting relative movement of the receiving portion and the movable barrier element)) to a venue management system (e.g., a server connected via the Internet of Things). Then (or simultaneously, or prior to step 612), at 614, the identity of the barrier is transmitted or sent to the venue management system. For example, the identity of the barrier may indicate the location of the barrier or an amenity associated with the barrier, or may simply include an identifier (e.g., a number) that enables the venue management system to determine the location of the barrier or an amenity associated with the barrier. Then, at 616, it is determined whether there is a device that requires information about the state of the barrier (e.g., a device belonging to an authorized person, a subscribing user, a user near the barrier or venue, a sign associated with the venue management system, a user device, an audio output device, another server, etc.). In the event that no such device is detected ("No" at 616), the process returns to 602. In the event that it is determined that such a device is present ("Yes" at 612), at 618, a signal is issued to the device that the state of the barrier or amenity has changed. At 620, the device then outputs a notification indicating the change in status of the barrier or amenity. At 622, the device also configures a virtual map to display the status of the barrier or amenity (e.g., via output on a virtual mapping application or website). At 624, it is further determined whether the user has requested a suggested route, such as from a route mapping application. In the event that the user has requested such a route ("yes" at 624), at 626, a route is output based on the status of the barrier or amenity (e.g., avoiding barriers or amenity whose status is a closed state). The process returns to 602. In the event that the user has not requested such a route ("no" at 624), the process returns to 602.

[0057] To further achieve the purpose of the present disclosure, the above steps may be performed in any suitable alternative order or in parallel. Figure 6 action or description.

[0058] The processes described above are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps of the processes discussed herein may be omitted, modified, combined, and / or rearranged, and that any additional steps may be performed without departing from the scope of the invention. More generally, the above disclosure is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Only the following claims are intended to set boundaries for what the invention encompasses. In addition, it should be noted that the features and limitations described in any one example may be applied to any other example herein, and that flowcharts or examples associated with one example may be combined with any other example in an appropriate manner, performed in a different order, or performed in parallel. In addition, the systems and methods described herein may be performed in real time. It should also be noted that the systems and / or methods described above may be applied to other systems and / or methods, or used in accordance with other systems and / or methods.

Claims

1. An access control barrier comprising: movable barrier elements; a receiving portion configured to receive the movable barrier element; a sensor configured to detect at least one of reception of the movable barrier element in the receiving portion and removal of the movable barrier element from the receiving portion; as well as A transmitter configured to transmit an indication of a change in barrier status to a server in response to the sensor detecting at least one of reception of the movable barrier element at the receiving portion and removal of the movable barrier element from the receiving portion.

2. The access control barrier according to claim 1, wherein when the movable barrier element is received in the receiving portion, the indication of the change in barrier state is an indication of a closed state, and when the movable barrier element is removed from the receiving portion, the indication of the change in barrier state is an indication of an open state.

3. An access control barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the access control barrier is a belt barrier and the movable barrier element comprises a belt and a connecting portion configured to connect the belt to the receiving portion.

4. An access control barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the access control barrier is associated with at least one of a location and an amenity.

5. An access control barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitter is battery powered.

6. An access control barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the access control barrier communicates with the server via an Internet of Things connection.

7. A system comprising: An access control barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 6; as well as A server configured to receive an indication of a change in barrier status, wherein the server is further configured to signal a change in status of the access control barrier or a change in status of an amenity associated with the access control barrier to a device in response to receiving the indication.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the system also includes the device, and wherein the device is configured to output a notification indicating a change in the state of the access control barrier or the state of the convenience facility associated with the access control barrier in response to receiving a signal indicating the state of the access control barrier or the state of the convenience facility associated with the access control barrier.

9. The system of any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the device comprises at least one of a digital sign, a user device, an audio output device, and other servers.

10. A system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the access control barrier is located within a venue, and wherein the device is a user device associated with at least one of an authorized person at the venue, a user subscribed to receive updates related to the venue, and a user located near the venue.

11. A system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the access control barrier is located within a venue, and wherein the server comprises or is in communication with a venue management system.

12. A system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the access control barrier is located within a venue, and wherein the device is comprised in or in communication with a venue management system.

13. The system of any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the virtual mapping application of the device is configured to indicate the state of the access control barrier or the state of an amenity associated with the access control barrier when the state is the closed state.

14. A system according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the route mapping application of the device is configured to utilize the status of the access control barrier or the status of an amenity associated with the barrier when outputting a route.

15. A method of operating an access control barrier, the method comprising: detecting at least one of a movable barrier element of a barrier being received at a receiving portion of the barrier and a movable barrier element of the barrier being removed at the receiving portion of the barrier; as well as In response to detecting at least one of reception of the movable barrier element at the receiving portion and removal of the movable barrier element at the receiving portion, an indication of a change in barrier status is transmitted to a server.

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